Warning for WiFi users!

[Ryan]

At least one in every four Wi-Fi products examined by the Wi-Fi Alliance has failed its certification test - a sign that many pieces of wireless equipment on the market are incapable of working as well as users are entitled to expect.

Whole article here.

[Lord ZOG]

This doesn't surprise me in the least. I've installed wireless systems in maybe a dozen homes, and that little only because I vehemently recommend against it. Wireless makes a decent addition to an already wired network, but to have a 100% wireless network is asking for trouble.

I find it ironic that most vendors push the speed of wireless equipment, when it's the range that's most important. In very few homes does the access point's signal actually reach more than a few surrounding rooms. Multiple access points in a home are impractical because the access points themselves have to be wired.

Buffalo Technologies has a decent wireless solution that uses "Repeaters" which only need a power source to "boost" the signal(s) from available access points.

Like most of today's hot technologies, wireless is sold on promise more than actual performance.

Originally posted by S.S. Lord ZOG
This doesn't surprise me in the least. I've installed wireless systems in maybe a dozen homes, and that little only because I vehemently recommend against it. Wireless makes a decent addition to an already wired network, but to have a 100% wireless network is asking for trouble.

I find it ironic that most vendors push the speed of wireless equipment, when it's the range that's most important. In very few homes does the access point's signal actually reach more than a few surrounding rooms. Multiple access points in a home are impractical because the access points themselves have to be wired.

Buffalo Technologies has a decent wireless solution that uses "Repeaters" which only need a power source to "boost" the signal(s) from available access points.

Like most of today's hot technologies, wireless is sold on promise more than actual performance.

Ditto. Doesnt surprise me either

[Chacal]

So far I had successfully resisted putting Wi-Fi up, but now I need to bring the network in a part of the building where it would be horrible to string cable to. Thanks for the link, I will use it.

[SHWoff]

It is recommended that, even if you use certified products, your wireless network uses products from the same vendor... For example, if you have a Linksys AP, use Linksys client cards....

Also, keep in mind that AP placement is key. The fewer walls, floors, and ceilings, the more likely you will get coverage. Some materials absolutely block RF at the low power used by wireless devices (<= 100mw)...